Image of a silver 2014 Porsche Cayman S parked on an urban street, showcasing its sleek side profile and sporty stance.
The Porsche Cayman. Often dubbed the “starter Porsche,” it’s positioned beneath the iconic 911 Carrera in both power and price. This perception can easily lead one to view the 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe as the entry-level sibling within the prestigious Porsche lineage. However, to dismiss it as merely a stepping stone would be a profound misjudgment.
After spending a week thoroughly immersed in the world of the 2014 Cayman S, experiencing everything from mundane city commutes to exhilarating highway stretches and, most importantly, conquering winding mountain roads, any preconceived notions were completely shattered. This isn’t just a “Baby Porsche”; it’s a phenomenal driver’s machine in its own right, exceeding expectations at every turn.
| STATS | Starting Retail Price | As Tested Price | HP / Lb-Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Porsche Cayman S | $63,800 | $88,625 | 325 / 272 |
| EPA Rating MPG | As Tested MPG | ||
| Rating: BUY IT! | 20 / 28 | n/a |
Under the hood of the 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe S resides a potent 3.4-liter flat-6 engine, delivering a robust 325 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque. My test vehicle was ideally configured with the sought-after Sport Chrono package and a traditional 6-speed manual transmission. For those preferring automated gear changes, Porsche’s exceptional 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission is also available. The manual Cayman S achieves 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 4.7 seconds, a hair’s breadth behind the PDK’s 4.6 seconds (or an even quicker 4.4 seconds with Launch Control). Top speed for the manual variant is an impressive 175 mph, marginally edging out the PDK’s 174 mph.
While the PDK offers lightning-fast shifts, the engagement and visceral connection provided by the manual transmission in the 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe are simply unparalleled. Even in a world dominated by dual-clutch technology, the pure driving joy of rowing through the gears yourself remains intensely satisfying. The clutch pedal offers perfect weighting, and the gear lever is ideally positioned for rapid, precise shifts. Furthermore, the pedal placement is conducive to effortless heel-toe downshifts, even for drivers with average-sized feet.
Front three-quarter view of a dark blue 2014 Porsche Cayman S, highlighting its aggressive front fascia and dynamic lines.
A significant change for this generation 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe was the transition from hydraulic to electromechanical power steering. This alteration initially sparked concern among Porsche enthusiasts who cherished the traditional hydraulic system’s feedback. However, any apprehension quickly dissipates once you experience the new system in action. The steering is remarkably quick, precise, and possesses a satisfying heft. While there’s a subtle reduction in road feel compared to its predecessor, it doesn’t detract significantly from the sheer driving pleasure the Cayman S delivers. In fact, for most drivers, the benefits of the electromechanical system, such as improved fuel efficiency and customization options, outweigh this minor trade-off.
The 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe offers a spectrum of driving modes to suit various conditions and driving styles. “Normal” mode is perfectly calibrated for everyday driving, providing ample performance while ensuring a more compliant ride for navigating city streets. Engaging “Sport” mode, now a standard feature, sharpens throttle response and relaxes traction control intervention, though the steering feel remains consistent. For an even more focused driving experience, a separate button stiffens the chassis, resulting in a firmer ride that might be too aggressive for daily use on typical roads. “Sport Plus” mode elevates everything to its most extreme settings, ideally reserved for track driving where its full potential can be safely explored. Pushing the car to its limits in Sport Plus on public roads would not only be excessive but also potentially unsafe and fail to truly appreciate the nuanced capabilities of this mode.
The Sport button also serves to deactivate the automatic start/stop system, a component of the 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe‘s fuel management system. This system contributes to the car’s respectable fuel economy figures of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. In practice, the start/stop system operates smoothly and efficiently: coming to a stop, shifting into neutral, and releasing the clutch pedal seamlessly shuts off the engine. Restarting is equally prompt – depressing the clutch and engaging a gear instantly brings the engine back to life, allowing for quick launches from traffic lights.
Inside the cabin, the seats of the 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe strike a balance between comfort for long journeys and bolstering for spirited driving. The wheelbase of this model is slightly extended compared to the previous generation, resulting in a marginally roomier interior. Even for taller drivers, headroom is generous, and seat adjustment offers ample legroom. The classic Porsche instrument layout places the tachometer prominently in the center, flanked by a speedometer on the left and a configurable gauge on the right, displaying navigation, temperature, or audio information. The steering wheel is substantial in hand, wrapped in supple leather, although a flat-bottom design would enhance the sporty feel.
Interior view of a 2014 Porsche Cayman S, showcasing the dashboard, steering wheel, and center console with the infotainment screen.
The infotainment system in the 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe, while functional, isn’t the most intuitive system available, but it adequately fulfills its purpose. The test car was equipped with an optional Burmester audio system boasting 12 speakers and 800 watts of output. While undeniably high-fidelity, its hefty $6,730 price tag seems excessive for most. The auditory pleasure derived from the Cayman’s naturally aspirated flat-six engine often surpasses any need for premium audio, especially for driving enthusiasts.
The handling prowess of the 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe truly shines, as demonstrated during drives on both wet and dry mountain roads. Even on rain-soaked pavement covered with fallen leaves, and with well-worn Pirelli P-Zero summer tires, the Cayman maintained remarkable composure with traction control engaged. It exhibited a brief moment of slip but was swiftly corrected by the system. As the roads dried in the afternoon, the car’s true capabilities emerged. With traction control deactivated, the Cayman operates at the very edge of grip, yet remains remarkably predictable and controllable. When the limit is reached, regaining composure is easily achieved with minor adjustments. The car feels intuitively connected to the driver’s intentions, anticipating inputs and responding with seamless agility.
The allure of the 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe becomes even more compelling when considering its value proposition. With a significant price difference compared to the base 911, it begs the question: why would one opt for any other Porsche? While a boost in power might always be welcomed, the Cayman isn’t designed to be a straight-line drag racer. Its essence lies in the immersive driving experience it offers, seamlessly blending driver and machine as you navigate challenging roads. It’s about achieving that perfect balance between exhilaration and control, feeling utterly connected to the car and the road. In the cockpit of the Cayman, every drive feels like an escape from the ordinary.
Visually, the 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe presents a slightly more mature and sculpted aesthetic compared to its predecessor, while also achieving a weight reduction of approximately 66 pounds. Larger air intakes, essential for cooling the mid-mounted engine, contribute to a more aggressive front stance. However, the rear view arguably represents the Cayman’s most striking angle. The seamless integration of the spoiler into the taillights creates a harmonious blend of muscularity and elegance.
Rear view of a yellow 2014 Porsche Cayman S, emphasizing its wide stance, integrated spoiler, and taillight design.
The starting price for the Cayman S is $63,800, but the test model included several optional extras, some more essential than others. Porsche Torque Vectoring ($1,320) enhances cornering agility by applying braking to the inner rear wheel. This option necessitates the Porsche Active Suspension Management ($1,790) and sport suspension ($1,235) for compatibility. The Sport Chrono package ($1,850) is highly recommended, particularly for track enthusiasts, adding the crucial Sport Plus driving mode. Regrettably absent from the test vehicle was the Sport Exhaust System ($2,825), a worthwhile addition for those seeking to fully appreciate the aural symphony of the flat-six engine.
Numerous other customization options can quickly elevate the Cayman S’s price, potentially encroaching into 911 territory. Whether these extras are justified depends entirely on individual preferences and budget.
In the realm of two-door, two-seat, hard-top sports cars, the 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe occupies a unique position with limited direct rivals. While the Jaguar XK shares a rear-wheel-drive configuration, it comes at a higher price point and delivers slower acceleration despite greater power. The Jaguar F-Type, being a convertible, aligns more closely with the Porsche Boxster. The BMW Z4 and Audi TTS could be considered alternatives, but the Cayman’s rear-wheel-drive, mid-engine configuration sets it apart from front- or all-wheel-drive competitors in terms of driving dynamics.
On the definitive TFLcar scale of automotive recommendations:
- Buy it!
- Lease it!
- Rent it!
- … or Forget it!
The 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe S earns a resounding BUY IT! It’s a driver-centric sports car that seamlessly transitions between daily usability, exhilarating backroad carving, and track day performance, all while upholding the elevated levels of luxury and build quality synonymous with the Porsche brand.
